Crop Water Requirements

By understanding estimated crop water requirements, the agricultural industry can maximize water use through efficient irrigation methods and scheduling.

Find the estimated cumulative irrigation requirements for several crops of importance in the Llagas Valley, as well as crop-specific details.

Alfalfa

The cumulative water requirement for alfalfa in 2010 was 36 ¼ inches. This estimate is of cumulative water use and takes cuttings into account. Winter rainfall stored in the soil profile must be subtracted to arrive at the cumulative irrigation requirement. This estimate does not take into account the sprinkler system uniformity.

View additional details about alfalfa (PDF).

Cherries

The cumulative water requirement for cherries in 2010 was 38 ½ inches. This estimate is of cumulative water use for a fully irrigated orchard, and does not take management actions such as deficit irrigation for growth management into account. Winter rainfall stored in the soil profile must be subtracted to arrive at the cumulative irrigation requirement. This estimate does not take into account sprinkler system uniformity.

View additional details about cherries (PDF).

Stone Fruit

The cumulative water requirement for stone fruit in 2010 was 38 inches. This estimate is of cumulative water use for a fully irrigated orchard and does not take management actions such as deficit irrigation for growth management into account. Winter rainfall stored in the soil profile must be subtracted to arrive at the cumulative irrigation requirement. This estimate does not take into account irrigation system distribution uniformity.

View additional details about stone fruit (PDF).

Wine Grapes

The estimated cumulative water requirement for vertically shoot-positioned wine grapes on an 8-foot row spacing in 2010 was 13 ¼ inches. This estimate does not take stored winter rainfall into account. Nor are management applied deficits or deficiencies in irrigation system uniformity taken into account.

View additional details about wine grapes (PDF).

Additional information

Find additional resources:

Irrigation calculators and resources to help growers use water more efficiently.
Free services through Valley Water's Mobile Lab for growers to improve irrigation efficiency in seasonal row crops, tree crops, greenhouse crops, nurseries, and vineyards.
Learn about other agricultural assistance programs available to growers.

Alfalfa

Celery

Cherries

Corn

Dry Beans

Stone Fruit

Tomatoes

Walnuts

Wine Grapes

Additional information